6 MD Deaths Prompt Reminder On Winter Fire Safety Tips

PIKESVILLE, MD — So far this winter six Maryland residents have died in house fires, and authorities say most of the victims did not have working smoke alarms in their homes. On Friday the Maryland state fire marshal issued a reminder to residents to install working alarms, and safety precautions to take with fireplaces

If you cannot afford a smoke alarm contact your local fire department to see if there is available in your area, said State Fire Marshal Brian S. Geraci in a news release.

“Fire and life safety is everyone’s responsibility; by testing smoke alarms and CO detectors, keeping exits clear of obstructions, and maintaining fire alarms and fire sprinkler systems, we can all avoid injury or death from the effects of fire,” Geraci said.

The state fire marshal's office has safety tips for escaping a fire and preventing one:

Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are working properly. Also check the dates on your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors; replace any equipment that is 10 years old or older

Check exits in your home and any place you go to ensure you will be able to escape a fire. Exits blocked by chairs, tables or other items can delay an exit. Be aware of these safety concerns at church, school or restaurants. Ensure snow is removed from outside of doors, as well.

When using portable non-vented fuel-fired heaters, such as kerosene heaters, make sure to use only the recommended fuel specified in the owner’s manual and never use gasoline. Portable kerosene heaters are banned for use in Baltimore City.

Electric space heaters should only be used if they have been approved by an authorized testing laboratory such as UL. Plug space heaters directly into an outlet. Never use an extension cord or power strip, which can easily overheat and cause a fire. Keep all portable space heaters at least three feet away from anything combustible.

Do not use kitchen stoves or ovens to supply heat. These appliances are not designed to heat a room and the chance of a fire increases greatly.

When using fireplaces, wood stoves or pellet stoves, ensure they have been installed and serviced by trained technicians according to state and local codes so they work at peak efficiency and lower the risk of failure. Place ashes in a metal container with a lid. Have the chimney cleaned and inspected before use.

Never leave candles burning unattended. Extinguish the flame before leaving the room.

If a fire occurs inside your home, close the doors behind you as evacuate, call 911 and never go back inside the house. Tell arriving first responders if anyone is still inside.

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(Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)